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Uttaranchal Gangotri Temple
According to Hindu mythology, Gangotri is the origin of river Ganga and it is place where goddess Ganga resides. Gangotri temple is among the 4 sites that are famous with the name of chota dham. Amar Thapa who was the Gurkha General had built this temple many years back. The place where the river originates is called as Bhagirathi whereas when it reaches the region of Devprayag it is known as Ganga. The origination point of the river is called as Gaumukh from a glacier which is named as Gaumukh.
History
Hindu mythology says that goddess Ganga, whom people worship, took her river form so as to absolve the predecessor of the King Bhagirath. From several centuries people are passing this story to their generations. Many years back when India was home of many great rulers, there was a king named Sagar. In order to establish his supremacy he decided to organize Ashwamedha Yajna on earth. In this Yajna, there was a white horse who had to travel whole earth alongwith sixty thousand sons of the king. Indra who is regarded as supreme ruler in heaven feared that if this Yajna is completed he would be completely deprevied of his power as well as throne. To protect his throne Indra decided to capture the horse. He tied this horse in the Sage Kapil's ashram. King's sons were not able to find the horse anywhere but somehow they all managed to find the horse tied up in Sage Kapil's asharam. The Sage Kapil was mediaiting and king son's disturbed him by storming the ashrama. In return Sage Kapil perished them and turned them into ashes. Bhagiratha who was king Sagar's grandson pleased goddess Ganga through deep mediatation. He prayed to goddess Ganga for soul liberation of his ancestors through salvation or in other words moksha.
How To Reach
People can choose any mode of transportation to reach Gangotri temple of Uttarakhand.
By Air
"JOLLY GRANT AIRPORT" can be used to reach Gangotri temple. It is located at a distance of 250 kilometers. You can get most of the flights from Delhi airport in day time. Portable roads are well connected to this airport. Private taxi are always available from the airport which can be hired at most economical rates to reach Gangotri temple.
By Rail
"RISHIKESH RAILWAY STATION" is nearest to Gangotri temple. People can take various rails which run on different routes and on different time from anywhere in India to reach Gangotri temple. The fare of Indian railway is economical and anyone can travel along with their family to reach Gangotri temple. From railway station, one can take private taxi as well as local state buses to reach destination such as Rishikesh, Uttarkashi as well as Tehri Garhwal.
By Road
The entire region of Uttarkhand is well connected with portable roads. People can use national highways to reach this state. Many interstate buses and cabs run on such roads daily at affordable prices. While travelling along with the roads you will encounter scenic beauty of the state as well.
Important Shrines
Barkot, Harsil, Hanuman Chatty, Bhojbasa, Dodital, Janki Chatti, Gangnani etc are some of famous places that are located near Gangotri temple.
Significance Of The Temple
People regard Gangotri temple as one of the sacred place where they believe they can get rid of their sins. Goddess Ganga resides in this temple who is well known for giving moksha after death. Some people often say that it is very important to visit this place once in your life time.
Weather And Time To Visit
The best time to visit gangotri temple is the month of May, June and July. The weather in these seasons is quite pleasant. People must carry some woolen clothes as the temperature of this place becomes low during night.
Accomodation
There are many hotels, motels, inns and asharms in Gangotri such as Himalaya hotel, Shivalik Ashram, Harsil Retreat and Shiv Parivar Resort. Now, online booking for these hotels is also facilitated.
Tips For Devotees
People are adviced to maintain silence in Gangotri temple during morning and evening. They are also adviced not carry any of their belongings in the premises of the temple as well.
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